Leniqua’dominique Jenkins: An At-Large Candidate Who Aims to Fill a Void

December 10, 2025

Leniqua'dominqiue Jenkins, a former D.C. Councilmember Anita Bonds staffer and Ward 7 civic leader, is running for an at-large seat on the D.C. Council with a focus on representing marginalized residents, particularly those living east of the Anacostia River. Jenkins brings diverse experience as a teacher, children's book author, former advisory neighborhood commissioner, and international advocate who has worked in Kenya, Spain, and India. Her campaign platform emphasizes literacy improvement, environmental sustainability, mental health support, affordable housing, community policing, and caregiver assistance, with specific proposals like international pen-pal programs for students and expanded respite care funding.

Who is affected

D.C. residents, especially those living on the margins and east of the Anacostia River
Working-class residents paying bills and facing displacement pressures
Students in D.C. Public Schools, particularly Black and brown youth
Teachers seeking more classroom autonomy
Caregivers (Jenkins specifically mentions caring for her mother and niece)
Senior citizens 60 years and older
Residents of Wards 7 and 8
Returning citizens seeking employment
Historically marginalized populations facing structural inequity

What action is being taken

Jenkins is actively running a campaign for the at-large D.C. Council seat (launched November 15)
Jenkins tutors young people at Denny's on Benning Road in Northeast
Jenkins hosts readings of her children's book "Mirror, Mirror on the Wall"
Jenkins writes as a columnist for East of the River Magazine
Jenkins is advocating for the "bottle bill" currently making its way through the council

Why it matters

This race matters because Jenkins and her supporters argue the current D.C. Council lacks representation from residents living east of the Anacostia River and doesn't adequately address the needs of working-class and marginalized populations. With development like the RFK project coming to the area, having council members who understand these communities is increasingly important to ensure that historically underserved areas receive equitable investment and that residents aren't pushed out by economic pressure. The race also represents a shift toward younger, more community-focused leadership with international perspective and grassroots organizing experience, potentially bringing new approaches to persistent challenges like literacy gaps, affordable housing shortages, and caregiver support.

What's next

The Democratic primary will take place on June 16, featuring ranked-choice voting for the first time in the District
Kevin Chavous, Bonds' chief of staff, is speculated to potentially enter the race
If elected, Jenkins plans to advocate for reauthorization of the Older Americans Act at the federal level
Jenkins intends to partner with the D.C. Office on Aging and Community Living to increase respite care funding and expand programs

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer